Five Ways to Prepare for Legislative Session

The Nebraska Legislature convenes on January 6, 2021 for the first year of the biennium. Even though we’re entering an unprecedented legislative session where literally anything could happen (thanks, COVID), there are a few things we can all do to prepare for what’s ahead! Here are five ways you can prepare for legislative session and support Planned Parenthood from the comfort of your own home. 
 

1. Find your state senator

There will be a few new faces at the Legislature this session—make sure you know who your state senator is so you can keep in touch with them about upcoming legislation. 
 

2. Follow us on social media

The best way to keep up-to-date with everything going on at the Unicameral is to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
 

3. Sign up to volunteer

The best way to take action on legislative issues is to sign up to volunteer. We will keep you updated on events, action items, and what’s going on in the legislature, and we’ll make sure you have opportunities to help us fight for our rights. 
 

4. Read up!  

I recommend these pieces for information about current Nebraska policy and the world we’re fighting for. 

Nebraska Policy: 

• Curious about current policy around about in Nebraska? Check out the Guttmacher Institute’s Nebraska fact sheet. 
• Nebraska’s lawmaking process isn’t exactly like the Schoolhouse Rock video. Check out the Nebraska Legislature’s explanation of the Unicameral’s unique system for passing bills. 

What we’re fighting for: 

• We know that sexual and reproductive health care access doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it is one aspect of our multi-issue, intersectional lives. Read more about the reproductive justice movement and how it addresses intersectionality and anti-racism at SisterSong’s website.
• Angela Davis is a radical activist, author, academic, and philosopher who writes extensively about race and gender issues. Read her essay—"Racism, Birth Control, and Reproductive Rights"—exploring the history of the reproductive rights and justice movement and demands an anti-racist, inclusive movement for reproductive freedom. You can purchase the book from which this essay is pulled here: Indie Bound: Women, Race, and Class).  
   

5. Join us virtually for Legislative Session 101.

Learn the basics of the legislature, prepare for what’s ahead, and find out more ways to get involved. 
 

We don’t know what the 2021 legislative session will bring, but we know we’ll be fighting for Nebraskans’ sexual and reproductive rights, and supporting efforts for democracy reform, anti-discrimination policies, and racial and immigrant justice, no matter what. We hope you’ll join us!